Terpstra to Participate in Dutch National Championships

Terpstra to Participate in Dutch National Championships

OPQS rider Niki Terpstra is ready to participate in the Dutch National Championships.

"The time trial on June 19th is in the north of Holland, and is 52km including two laps of 26 kilometers," Terpstra said. "The forecast is sunny and hot so it is going to be a really hard time trial. With the Tour de Suisse I had a good preparation, I'm in good shape. Last year I was 3rd, and I want to go for the podium again — even if the competition will be fierce. As for the road championship on June 23rd, I am the defending champion and it's the exact same parcour of last year. For me it's an advantage. It's a hard lap and we have to do it 22 or 23 times over 230km, so it's a demanding race. I've shown that I can win it alone. I will fight for it and we will see what could happen."

Terpstra added his excitement about being selected to participate in the 100th Tour de France.

"This is Tour number five for me, and I finished four times in Paris," Terpstra said. "The sprints will be important, and of course the team time trial. I think we can put out a team that can go for a win."